Judge Nicholas Cartwright, who issued a warrant for his arrest, was told Rahman had bought a ticket through an agency for Bangladesh on Friday.

The 58-year-old, who was the Imam at the Queens Cross mosque in Cradley Heath, West Mids., had handed in his own passport to his solicitors as part of the bail conditions so bought the ticket using false documents.

He then illegally left the UK just 24 hours later after pretending he was too ill to show up to his trial.

The 58-year-old was the Imam at the Queens Cross mosque in Cradley Heath, West Mids. when he sexually assaulted the two girls. (Picture: Google Maps)

The judge said: ‘I can only infer he decided to avoid sentence for these sexual assaults and he has no intention of returning voluntarily.’

He added that there was a likelihood that Rahman had left behind assets in this country and that a full investigation would have to take place to determine what could be seized.

DC Liz Skype from the West Midlands Police told the court that they had checked on Rahman on Friday so were assured he would show up for his trial.